When comparing Edimax SP-2101W vs TP-LINK HS100, the Slant community recommends Edimax SP-2101W for most people. In the question“What are the best smart switches?”Edimax SP-2101W is ranked 7th while TP-LINK HS100 is ranked 12th. The most important reason people chose Edimax SP-2101W is:

With apps for both Android and iOS available, the vast majority of users in any house will be able to control this switch. This is an essential feature for households that have both Android and iOS users.

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Pros

Pro

Compatible across popular mobile ecosystems

With apps for both Android and iOS available, the vast majority of users in any house will be able to control this switch. This is an essential feature for households that have both Android and iOS users.

Pro

Prevents unwanted setting adjustments

The app can require a password, which means that if the TV is plugged into one of these switches that your kids can't install the app and extend the auto-turn-off-time. This could also be a benefit if plugging in a basic home security system - plugging the security system into this switch isn't any less secure than plugging it straight into the wall.

Pro

Easy visual energy cost tracking

This device senses the amount of power which is drawn from it while it is in use. You can configure the switch to turn off when a certain power limit has been reached (can be based on a daily, weekly, or monthly figure). Upon hitting this limit, it will notify you with an email.

You can also view past power requirements ranging from a day to a month to see when it draws the most power. this data can be displayed as the true power (measured in watts) or approximate cost.

Pro

Scheduling allows appliances to work automatically

You can schedule the switch to turn off when you leave for work or go to bed, and to turn on when you get home from work or wake up. If you use a portable heater or air conditioner, this can be especially useful to pre-heat or cool your house just before you get home. This ensures your house is at the right temperature whenever you're home, but saves on power when you don't need it.

Pro

Long term energy tracking

The power data will be kept for 12 months, allowing for long term comparison between multiple seasons.

Pro

Schedules and timers work well

You can configure this switch to turn on and off whenever you choose. Schedules are useful for waking up in the morning and going to bed, and timers help expand that functionality to single-time usage. You can fully automate anything plugged into this switch, even when on vacation half the world away.

You can also enable 'away mode', which turns your lights on and off automatically simulating what it would look like if somebody were home. This deters burgles, as generally they try to break in when nobody is home.

Pro

Works with Amazon's Alexa

Alexa is Amazon's personal assistant, found in the Echo and Echo Dot. If you have either of these products, you (or your guests) can control this switch with nothing but your voice. Very cool as a party trick, but also useful in day-to-day life.

Cons

Con

No smart home intergration

This switch doesn't connect to any third party systems - no HomeKit, Nest, WeMo, Z-Wave, or other integration. These products work on their own without any external integration.

Con

Lacks sunrise/sunset control

Many other switches can be configured to turn on at sunrise, and turn off at sunset (or vice versa if you have a light plugged into it). The Edimax SP-2101W lacks any such feature.

Con

Somewhat bulky

This switch will block the plug beneath it, effectively reducing the number of plugs you have available in your house. This also makes it a more obvious eye-sore.

Con

Bulky

Similar to the vast majority of all smart plugs, this one will block the outlet above it. You can place it on top of a regular wall receptacle, although then it sticks out visually more than if it were centered on the wall mount.

Con

Energy tracking costs extra

This specific device doesn't offer energy tracking, although a different model does. It costs $8 more, however it has the potential to save a lot more than that in electricity costs over its lifetime.